1940 Census

I’m not excited about the 1940 Census. I know. I know. It’s heresy to say that with all the hype that is going on. But it’s true. I know where all my ancestors and most other family members were in 1940 – same place they were in 1930 – and 1920. For the most part, same place they had been for the last 100 years. The only difference is in 1940 they will all be in one township instead of two or, if we go back far enough, three. So I just can’t get excited about it.

And frankly, be honest, how many of you don’t know where your parents or grandparents were in 1940? You might be excited to see the information in writing – maybe you are in the 1940 census – but are you really expecting a big surprise?

I am excited about transcribing the 1940 Census. I think the method in place for doing this, enlisting the help of local genealogical societies to transcribe local counties, will provide future researchers with a much more accurate transcription than we have ever had. We know the local names. That means our grandchildren will not have to be creative in searching for names. Now that’s something to be excited about.